Windfarm in bid to continue turning for another decade

An Anglesey windfarm could remain operational for another decade under plans submitted to council planners.

An application has been submitted to amend the conditions of the Trysglwyn Windfarm near Rhosybol, which would allow the turbines to continue turning until 2031.

The existing planning permission means that the windfarm, operational since 1996, should be returned to its original state after June 2021.

But the developers, Ventient Energy Limited, argue there is scope to continue going past the 25 years originally planned for.

The supporting documents, which have now been submitted to Anglesey Council’s planning department, state that while the industry was in its “infancy” at the time the windfarm was designed, “hindsight” now shows that turbines can operate “beyond their original design life” if properly maintained.

There are 14 of the structures currently standing, reaching a maximum tip height of 43.5 metres.
“Extending the operational life of the Trysglwyn Wind Farm by an additional 10 years, effectively allows the wind farm to generate 40% more power than the current consent would allow,” it goes on to say.
“This represents a significant economic and environmental benefit.
“There are no additional construction works proposed as the life extension can make use of all existing infrastructure.
“IoACC will continue to benefit from the business rates which are paid by the wind farm, valued at £63,500 in 2021.
“Although not a material consideration, the community benefit fund will continue to run for an additional 10 years and will also be increased.
“As a result of this the level of retained benefits arising from the proposed extension and subsequent impact on the rural economy of the local area will be increased.”

It’s expected that Anglesey Council’s planning department will consider the application over the coming weeks.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter